When you’re enjoying a vacation in Sarasota, there are plenty of fun activities you can get into. You’re probably planning to spend plenty of time outside, whether you want to walk around the shops at St. Armands Circle, rent a bike to experience the best nature of the area, or relax on one of the top beaches in the area. Either way, these outdoor activities will probably make you hot! Sure, you could decide to head into an indoor attraction, but one of the best ways to cool off is with a delicious ice cream treat! Luckily, there are tons of places to get delicious Sarasota ice cream for the whole family.
Abel’s Ice Cream
For eight years running, Abel’s Ice Cream has been ranked Sarasota’s top ice cream shop on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Once you visit for yourself, you’ll understand why! They’ve been offering up delectable ice cream and other sweets to Sarasota locals and visitors for a decade now, solidifying themselves as a vital part of the community. You’ll find more than 40 flavors of Florida-made ice cream, from your traditional favorites to more unique varieties like Raspberry Truffle and Stellar Coffee. They also offer several options of dairy-free ice creams so everyone can join in on the fun!
In addition to ice cream, Abel’s also offers fine chocolates, delicious coffee, and mouthwatering popcorn. No matter what kind of snack you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it (along with some great company) at Abel’s.
Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota.
The Orange Octopus
There’s nothing better than handmade, slow-churned ice cream, which is exactly what you’ll find at The Orange Octopus. They make their ice cream right on site and only use the area’s freshest ingredients. You won’t find any flavor additives, so you can feel good about the treats you’re feeding your family. Not only can you get 16 delicious flavors like Piña Colada, Strawberry. Cheesecake, and Butter Pecan, but you can also personalize your treat with toppings like candy, hot fudge, and more! (Did we mention the homemade whipped cream?)
The Orange Octopus is passionate about creating a fun, family-friendly environment for its customers. Stick around and get to know the staff, and be sure to get a picture with Ollie the Octopus! There’s no better place to cool off on a hot day. If you picked up one of our Sarasota rentals with a pool, you can even take it back with you, and relax by the pool!
The Orange Octopus is located at 1220 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota.
Made in Rome Gelato
If you want a sweet treat that you can feel good about, make your way to Made in Rome Gelato. Their gelato is 100% certified organic and only contains the highest quality milk, eggs, sugar, and cream. To craft the various flavors, the gelato base is combined in small batches with delicious fruits and nuts to produce a one-of-a-kind treat! You can get your favorite flavors like vanilla, chocolate brownie, and mint chocolate chip. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for unique varieties like dark cherry or dragon fruit!
If you don’t want gelato, you can still stop by to enjoy a milkshake or an espresso. No matter what you decide on, you’ll be able to taste the difference in the fresh ingredients and the staff’s passion!
Made in Rome Gelato is located at 5204 Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key.
Settimi’s Gelato
Another delicious option for gelato in Sarasota is Settimi’s Gelato. This shop only uses traditional processing methods and the best, freshest ingredients to craft their products. In fact, multiple customers claim this shop offers the best gelato they’ve had outside of Italy! Since the gelato here has so much less butterfat than traditional ice cream, there are fewer calories, which is good news for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious treat while watching their waistline.
If you really want to get into the spirit of Italy, go for classic flavors like Tiramisu, Cappuccino, Nocciola, or Stracciatella. Of course, they also offer tried and true flavors like vanilla, rum raisin, pistachio, and chocolate. With so much variety, Settimi’s offers something for everyone in your group to enjoy. If you have a family pet that likes ice cream, check out our Sarasota pet friendly vacation rentals!
Settimi’s Gelato is located at 367 St. Armands Circle in Sarasota.
Big Olaf Creamery
Big Olaf Creamery has been considered one of the best Sarasota ice cream shops since it first opened in 1982. What sets this shop apart from others is that all of the yogurts and ice creams are hand-mixed by the most passionate local Amish craftsmen. What started off as a small passion project has now turned into an empire with more than 50 Florida stores carrying their products! When you stop in for ice cream, try flavors like the Superman, chocolate peanut butter, maple walnut, or royal banana crunch.
But the delicious offerings don’t stop with ice cream. You can also come in for a smoothie, shake, float, or sundae. Regardless of what you select, every sweet treat is sure to put a smile on your face!
Big Olaf Creamery is located at 5208 Ocean Boulevard in Sarasota.
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
Ever wanted to bring science together with your ice cream? For some of the most unique ice cream in Sarasota, visit Sub Zero. This establishment features delicious nitrogen ice cream that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. If this concept sounds familiar, it’s probably because this company started out as a pitch on the TV show Shark Tank! Even though you may have never tried nitrogen ice cream before, you’ll be familiar with many of the incredible flavors offered.
Some of the most popular flavors here include Magnetic Mint, Peanut Butter Bonds, Birthday Cake Capacitor, and Chocolate Conduction. Not sure which one you’d like? Ask the staff for a recommendation! Get ready to experience the coolest (pun intended) ice cream you’ve ever had, just minutes away from your Sarasota vacation rentals!
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is located at 2359 Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples.
Kilwin’s Chocolate
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best ice cream in Sarasota is a destination that’s not even known for its ice cream. Kilwin’s Chocolate is mostly regarded for its fudge and chocolate options, but it’s worth visiting simply to experience the ice cream! The store has only been open since November 2020 but has already proven itself as a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
Once you set foot inside, you’ll immediately be struck by the amazing smell of chocolate and will be greeted by the friendly staff. Be sure to try the chocolate chip ice cream, the very treat that captured the heart of now-owner Kevin Leslie!
Kilwin’s Chocolate is located at 743 Fifth Avenue South in Naples.
If you’re searching for delicious ice cream in Sarasota, FL, one of these shops is sure to fit the bill. Best of all, each of them is just a short drive away from our Sarasota vacation rentals! Rent Sarasota is proud to offer a wide range of accommodations to suit groups big and small. If you’re ready to come and try some of these incredible shops for yourself, contact us today to book a stay in one of our Sarasota condo rentals!
